A short interview with Sally Mathrick, naturopath, author and health educator discussing menopause and the recent Australian Government response to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee report: Issues related to menopause and perimenopause. *This story and video was produced with the assistance of the NSW Department of Regional NSW Regional Growth Fund
Sally Mathrick – Bachelor Arts (Melbourne), Bachelor Naturopathy (Southern Cross Uni), Grad Dip of Bachelor Medicines Management with Professional Honours in Comp Med (Tas Uni), Member NHAA, Fellow ASLM
‘Trumping the problematic menopause
Naturopath and health teacher Sally Mathrick is keen to ‘trump’ problematic menopause and make menopause great again. Many traditional cultures hold this female maturation process in great esteem. ‘We can too!’
Also a writer and teacher who works for holistic well-being, emphasising the interconnections of personal and planetary health, Mathrick has created Sparkle Well School which delivers effective health programs to guide people to enjoy whole health improvement. She is part of the Torrens University Academic team and is clinic supervisor for final-year students.
Menopausal transition
Widely published in the popular press and also a self-published author, Mathrick is currently writing a book on the menopausal transition. Her consulting business, Sound Medicine, provides workplace wellness since 2004, to improve wellbeing at work.
Originally from Bendigo in Victoria, Mathrick lived in many places before she settled in what she calls ‘beautiful Mullumbimby’.
‘Each town I have lived in has added a little something to the mosaic of who I am.’
There are many things in Mathrick’s work that she enjoys. ‘I love seeing how empowered women become through this work – it’s incredibly rewarding. I’m endlessly curious about the midlife transition, which is fortunate, because there’s always more to discover.
‘I also really enjoy sharing what I learn, whether that’s through writing, speaking, or storytelling. It’s all part of creating connection and understanding.’
No two experiences are alike
There are, of course, challenges accompanying work with menopausal women. ‘One of the more complex parts is that no two experiences are alike – there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and as a naturopath, it can be challenging to work within a broader health system that doesn’t always recognise us as legitimate practitioners, despite the depth of what we offer.’
Before studying naturopathy, Mathrick worked with Greenpeace and Planet Ark. ‘Environmental activism shaped my early years, and that sense of care for the planet naturally evolved into caring for people – especially women –through the seasons of life.’
Always a holistic thinker, Mathrick feels that naturopathy suits her well.
‘When I started my own journey through menopause, despite 20 years of health experience myself, I was struck by how little support there was for this important transition and I felt called to offer the support and insights that I didn’t have.
‘The menopausal transition itself is fascinating – transformative on every level – and I wanted to help others navigate it with more ease and power.’
Mathrick’s spare time is a cherished thing. ‘I love connecting with the people I care about, but I also crave new experiences – right now I’m learning to sail, which is exhilarating. I can happily lose track of time in the garden or curled up with a great book.’
A motto to be the change
Mathrick’s motto is another extension of her work. ‘You influence life, and you can choose to influence it in a positive way. Or, in the words of Gandhi: “Be the change you want to see in the world”.’
To find out more about Sally Mathrick and her work, visit: sparklewell.com.au.
*This story and video was produced with the assistance of the NSW Department of Regional NSW Regional Growth Fund
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